PENSACOLA, Fla. - Those serving at Information Warfare Training Command (IWTC) Corry Station learn the importance of information warfare as part of modern warfare.
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| Photo by Ensign Tiffany Savoie, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
One of the sailors continuing the tradition of maritime superiority through information warfare is Seaman Gavin Jones, a native of Gainesville, Georgia.
Jones is a 2015 graduate of York High School.
Jones joined the Navy less than one year ago. Today, Jones serves as an information systems technician and student at IWTC Corry Station.
“I have multiple family members who have served, and I joined in search of self-purposes,” Jones said. "I came in when I was 28 years old, and my sister joined the Navy when she was 26. I initially joined to be an explosive ordnance disposal technician (EOD). I cross-rated to be an information systems technician."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Gainesville.
“I've worked in several odd jobs and career fields in search of said purpose,” Jones said. "It taught me resilience and gave me a hard work ethic."
IWTC Corry Station is located at Naval Air Station Pensacola’s Corry Station, known as the “cradle of cryptology.” It falls under the Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT), one of the largest Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) learning centers. Through its “street to fleet” focus, NETC recruits civilians and transforms them into skilled warfighters ready to meet the Navy’s current and future needs. With four schoolhouse commands, two detachments and training sites throughout the United States and Japan, CIWT provides instruction for more than 26,000 students every year, delivering information warfare professionals to the Navy and joint services.
The CIWT domain, along with all other Navy training commands, is transforming and innovating its training programs through Ready, Relevant Learning (RRL), a pillar of Sailor 2025. Sailor 2025 is a program used to improve and modernize personnel management and training systems to more effectively recruit, develop, manage, reward and retain the force of tomorrow. It focuses on empowering sailors, updating policies, procedures, and operating systems, and providing the right training at the right time in the right way to ensure sailors are ready for the fleet.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Jones serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
Jones has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“In my short career, I am most proud of graduating in the top 3% of my training group,” Jones said.
Jones can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means everything to me,” Jones said. "I finally get an opportunity to put my efforts towards being great in my chosen field. I would like to potentially revisit the EOD path again."
Jones is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I am thankful for the support of my wife, Jordan,” Jones added. "I also want to thank the ‘guys’ from back home."